Cabking 6" vs. 8": The Differences Beyond the Size

When it comes to cabbing machines, few names are as trusted as CabKing. Known for their durability, thoughtful design, and all-in-one convenience, they have earned a strong reputation among lapidary artists of all levels. 

They offer two different cabbing machines that look almost identical at first. These rugged and sturdy cabbing machines share most the same core features and are offered  as a smaller 6" model and a larger 8" model.

These measurements are not for how long the machine is but the size of the spinning wheels.  So the 6" model comes equipped with six-inch wheels, while the 8" model features eight-inch wheels. This increase in wheel size impacts more than just surface area and it influences how much material you can remove, how long your wheels last, and how comfortable the machine is to work on for extended periods of time.

Beyond that, differences in weight, footprint, and price point also come into play, especially if you're working in a smaller space or sticking to a tighter budget.

In this article, we’ll break down the main features of both machines, highlight the pros and cons of each, and offer guidance to help you decide which CabKing model is the better fit for your specific needs.

At a Glance: CabKing 8" vs. 6" – Quick Comparison Table

To help you get started with the basics first, you need to know about the core specifications and features of the CabKing 6″ and CabKing 8″. Here is what you need to know about each before you commit.

While both machines offer robust functionality, the CabKing 8” is made to go the extra mile in terms of power, size, and versatility.

Design and Build Quality: Both Sturdy, But One is Mightier

At first look, the CabKing 6” and the CabKing 8” machines look identical; one can’t tell the difference aside from their physical size. Both machines are made with heavy-duty stainless steel and a strong focus on long-term durability. Each comes standard equipped with:

●       6 Grinding and polishing Wheels

●       Integrated clean, non-circulating water system with individual water sprayers for each wheel

●       Integrated water drainage system

●       Electroplated full-face diamond flat lap with diamond paste

●       Separate, submersible 30-watt water pump

●       Removable stone trays, splash guards and hand rests

●       Waterproof apron & safety goggles

But once you start working with them, you’ll notice some of the major differences. The CabKing 8” has a larger footprint and a much powerful motor, which contributes to its extra weight and professional grade feeling. Its hefty size isn’t just for cosmetic and aesthetic appeal; it embraces more comfort when dealing with larger stones and more complex tasks. 

This is not to underestimate the power and capability of the CabKing 6”. It is more compact, but is still very sturdy, and many users love how easy it is to move and maintain.  If your workspace is tight, or working with smaller stones, the model 6” is a perfect option to go with, without compromising on quality or functionality. 

CabKing 6" Cabbing Machine Wheel Width is 1.5"

Cabbing Machine Wheel Size and Why It Matters

The biggest difference between the CabKing 6" and 8" cabbing machines lies in the diameter of their diamond wheels. The CabKing 6" comes equipped with 6-inch diameter wheels, while the CabKing 8" features larger wheels that are 8 inches.

At first glance, the 8” might seem like a simple size upgrade—but it comes with more than just an increase in size.  

Why Wheel Size Makes a Difference

• Grinding & Polishing Surface Area:
  Larger wheels provide a greater surface area, which means more working space per pass and less wear concentrated in one area. The 8" wheels distribute usage more evenly across the wheel, helping them last longer and deliver more consistent results over time.
• Better for Larger Stones:
  The 8" model offers improved clearance, making it much easier to shape and polish medium to large-sized stones without bumping your knuckles or having to constantly reposition. This can be a major advantage for anyone working on sizable slabs or custom pieces.
• Improved Comfort & Ergonomics:
  The spacing between the wheels is wider on the 8" model, giving your hands more room to move naturally. This makes it more comfortable for extended cabbing sessions and offers better line-of-sight while shaping. For professionals or high-volume hobbyists, that added comfort can reduce fatigue and improve precision.
• Faster Material Removal:
  While both machines spin at the same speed (1800 RPM), the 8" wheels have a greater surface speed at the rim. This translates to more efficient material removal, which can save time—especially when roughing out a cab or smoothing a large surface.
• More Control on Larger Surfaces:
  With a wider grinding path, the 8" wheels make it easier to maintain consistent curves on larger stones and reduce the chances of over-grinding smaller areas.

CabKing 8" Model Wheel Size is 2"

CabKing 6” handles small to medium stones effortlessly, but if you are regularly working with larger stones or need more room, the CabKing 8” is the best option to go with, and with time, it’ll prove itself to be a better long-term investment for you.

Motor Power & Performance: Small but Mighty vs. Big and Bold

When talking about cabbing, one can’t go wrong with the power, as it matters the most, especially if you are grinding harder objects or going deeper in materials such as agate, jasper, or even glass. Both CabKing machines have direct drive motors, which are quieter, resilient, efficient, and longer-lasting than traditional belt-driven setups. 

The CabKing 6” runs smoothly on a ¼ HP motor, which is impressive and more than enough for most casual cabbers and hobbyists alike, handling all the tasks without compromise, delivering effortless results, and doesn’t slow down when you apply more pressure to the wheel with the stone. So, if you are looking forward to having something that shapes small to mid-size stones, this motor has got you covered. 

 

The CabKing 8", however, has a major upgrade with horsepower from ¼ hp to ¾ HP motor.

That’s triple the power, with more torque, designed for more aggressive grinding, high-volume workflows, and harder materials. It offers a professional-grade performance that stays consistent even during extended use. 

The extra torque and power make the CabKing 8" an ideal choice for high-use settings, such as teaching studios, clubs, and shared workspaces, where machines run for extended periods and must handle a wide variety of materials. 

It’s built to operate under pressure without slowing down, overheating, or bogging down when grinding harder stones.

For glass artists, the added power provides the torque needed to work efficiently with thick fused pieces, castings, or heavy cold-working applications that require more resistance than typical cabbing. The motor keeps consistent speed and pressure even when grinding tough or irregular surfaces.

The 8" model also shines in custom jewelry production or small business workshops where speed and reliability directly impact output. Whether you’re shaping large slabs, working with dense materials like agate or jasper, or simply want to speed up your rough grinding phase, the 3/4 HP motor ensures your workflow stays fast and fluid.

While both CabKing models use high-quality, reliable motors, the CabKing 8" is built for nonstop work—a true powerhouse designed to take on heavy workloads, day after day, without hesitation.

 

 

While both the CabKing 6" and 8" cabbing machines share a similar all-in-one design-including the same number wheels, a direct-drive motor, and an efficient water supply. They differ in size, power and the level of functionality.

 

The CabKing 6" is more compact, measuring approximately 27"L x 13.5"W x 12" H and weighing around 62 pounds, making it a great fit for hobbyists or those working in smaller workspace.

 

In contrast, the CabKing 8" is a larger, more robust machine, with measurements 42" L x 16" W x 14" H and weighing about 160 pounds. The extra size isn't just for show, it supports a more powerful 3/4 HP motor (1/4 HP for the 6") and allows for wider wheels and greater spacing between them, which improves comfort, control, and efficiency when working with larger stones.

 

Another noticeable difference is the number of flat laps. That's right, the CabKing 6" model has one flat lap on the right side, while the 8" model has a flat lap on both sides. The 6V3 right shaft is fitted with a canvas polishing pad. The 8 inch 8V1 has a 360-grit diamond lap on the left shaft as well as the canvas polishing pad on the right shaft.

 

This give the 8 inch model a significant advantage in terms of capabilities. This flat lap allows for precision grinding of backs, flats, and edges, making it especially useful for cabochons preforms, intarsia, or fine-tuning the shape of a stone.

 

It's also excellent for quickly leveling the base of a cab, something that's much more cumbersome to do on standards wheels alone. In short, the combination of a polishing pad and a diamond lap gives the CabKing 8" a broader range of capabilities, allowing for cleaner, flatter finishes with more control over the final shape and symmetry of each piece.

 

Both models come with the same single-pass water system, featuring individual shut-off valves to control flow to each wheel. However, the 8" model includes a foot-operated power switch for the water pump, offering hands-free convenience from start to finish.

 

The 6" model’s water pump is manually operated, which works well for most hobby-level tasks but doesn’t provide the same fluid workflow control as the footswitch.

 

Ultimately, the CabKing 6" is a compact, capable machine ideal for beginners or jewelry makers focusing on smaller stones and occasional use. The CabKing 8", with its increased power, workspace, double flat laps, and advanced control features, is designed for serious lapidary artists who need a reliable machine for daily use, larger stones and more demanding projects.

 

Stone Size Capacity: The Bigger, the Bolder

With the CabKing 6”, you are looking at the stones that are under 3” in diameter. This includes the majority of the cabochons that are particularly used in pendants, earrings, rings, and small polished stones. The machine gives you an amazing flexibility and authority for detailed shaping and final polishing work, and many cabbers never feel the need to go beyond this range.

But what if you are looking to go big?

For that, CabKing offers the 8” model with all the space and power to handle larger stones, slabs, or free forms. Much thanks to its wider wheel spacing and bigger surface area, where you can effortlessly: 

●       Grind large, irregular stones.

●       Shape custom slabs for display pieces or belt buckles.

●       Handle high-volume batches without stopping to swap wheels or slow down.

This makes the 8" a favorite among professionals, teachers, and serious hobbyists who want more room to grow creatively.

So if your work leans toward larger cabochons or heavy-duty material, the 8″ machine gives you the flexibility to do more, faster.

Who They’re For: Matching the Machine to Your Skill Level

Going between what suits you the best isn’t about the size or power; it’s about where you are on your lapidary journey. 

So let’s start with the CabKing 6” first, the machine is often seen as a go-to option for: 

●       Beginners and hobbyists are just getting started with cabbing.

●       Jewelry makers who work with small to mid-sized stones.

●       Crafters with limited workspace or portability needs.

The Cabking model 6” is user-friendly, more flexible, forgiving, and provides everything you need to learn with, from shaping to polishing. If you are starting to dabble in cabbing or working out of a small home studio, it’s a fantastic choice to go with. Plus, the lighter weight makes it easy to move around if you are attending classes or sharing a workspace. 

On the other end, the CabKing 8” is made with a serious creator in mind: 

●       Professionals, lapidary artists, and production studios.

●       People working with large or high-volume stone batches.

●       Anyone needing maximum efficiency and longer grinding time between wheel replacements.

Its industrial-grade build, strong motor, and increased wheel space make it perfect for those who use it frequently, intensely, or professionally. 

In theory, you can say that the CabKing 6” is your learning partner, and the CabKing 8” is your long-term workhorse meant to take a heavy-duty workload.

Compact Design 6" Model

Accessories and What’s Included: Nearly Identical Kits

Included with the 6” and 8” machines is an accessory kit with everything you need to get started right out of the box. Included with the accessory kit are: 

●       Two electroplated diamond grinding wheels (80# and 220#)

●       Diamond resin wheels (280#, 600#, 1,200#, and 3,000#)

●       One electroplated diamond lap (360# for 6", same grit for 8")

●       Polishing pad for use with 14,000# diamond paste

●       A 30-watt water pump to keep everything cool and clean

●       Easy to remove trays, hand rests, and mud guards.

●       An accessory kit that includes a waterproof apron and safety goggles

●       A printed instruction manual

●       A one-year manufacturer warranty, with the option to purchase an extended one- or two-year warranty

Pricing, Portability & Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

So now that we have gone through an in-depth tour of both of these machines, it's time to find out their pricing and portability and make the final verdict for them. 

Unsurprisingly, the CabKing 8" does cost more than the 6". You’re paying for a bigger motor, larger wheels, more working space, and a tougher build. The 6" will feel like a solid investment without breaking the bank if you're just entering the lapidary world. For the budget-conscious hobbyist or weekend warrior, it’s the perfect balance of performance and price.

The 8", on the other hand, is built for business. You’re not just buying a machine, you’re buying durability and higher productivity. If you’re cabbing professionally or making a profit from your work, the extra cost quickly justifies itself.

Here’s another big difference. The CabKing 6" is much more portable. It’s smaller and lighter, making it easier to move around your home studio, bring to club meetings, or store when not in use.

The CabKing 8" is heavier and bulkier. It’s meant to live on a bench—ready for serious work. Not impossible to move, but not ideal for mobile use.

Final Verdict

●       If you’re a hobbyist working one stone at a time, have limited space, go with the CabKing 6".

●       If you need to work stones faster, work with larger stones, or want professional-grade performance, the CabKing 8" is your beast.

Both machines are excellent choices; the right one depends on your goals, materials, and workspace.

Conclusion: You Can’t Go Wrong with a CabKing

So whether you're shaping smoky quartz for your first ring or grinding slabs of labradorite for a museum-quality display, CabKing machines deliver precision, reliability, and quality. Both the 6″ and 8″ models are fully equipped to take your stone from rough to radiant, offering everything you need—diamond wheels, water system, flat lap attachments, and a sturdy build—to create polished cabochons with professional results.

The CabKing 6″ is an excellent choice for hobbyists, jewelry makers, and anyone with limited workspace who still wants top-tier performance. It’s compact, easy to use, and powerful enough for most small to medium projects. 

The CabKing 8″, on the other hand, is built for those ready to take on bigger challenges, whether that’s processing large stones, producing at scale, or working in a busy studio setting. With its larger wheels, wider spacing, dual flat laps, more powerful motor, and added conveniences like a foot-controlled water pump, it’s a true workhorse for the serious lapidary artist.

At the end of the day, both machines reflect CabKing’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. The difference comes down to scale, speed, and style—how big you want to go, how fast you want to get there, and how comfortable you want to be while doing it.